Sports glove for arthritic thumb carpometacarpal joint

ABSTRACT

A glove for reducing lateral subluxation of the first carpometacarpal joint that includes a glove body, and a strap portion carried by the glove body. The strap portion extends from a proximal end portion of the glove, and has a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb, to provide dorsal-radial tension on the thumb near the distal end of the first metacarpal in order to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. An attachment element is also provided for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/045,518, filed Apr. 16, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a glove for use by those suffering from arthritis. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a sports glove for use by participants suffering from an arthritic thumb (first) carpometacarpal joint.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

A variety of sporting gloves are known in the art for providing protection and or an enhanced grip. Additionally, there are various orthopedic support devices for providing protection and/or support of appendages and/or joints, such as finger splints, or those to guard against wrist injury. However, it is often uncomfortable or impossible to use such orthopedic support devices in conjunction with sporting gloves, which often require a close fit to maximize control of sporting equipment.

The present invention addresses one aspect of this problem by providing a sports glove with integral tension band for applying radial-dorsal tension to the thumb to minimize the effects of pathologies, such as arthritis and instability of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, the invention includes, in one aspect, a glove for reducing lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. The glove includes a glove body, and a strap portion carried by the glove body. The strap portion extends from a proximal end portion of the glove body, and has a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) to extend the thumb metacarpal and serve as a dorsal radial tension band to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. In this manner, the strap portion is capable of gently extending the distal end of the first metacarpal thereby maximizing the first web space for gripping and redirect force at the first CMC joint. An attachment element is also provided for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body.

The strap portion can be integrally formed with the glove body. Alternatively, the strap portion can be separately formed from the glove body, with a proximal end of the strap being permanently attached to the glove body. Alternatively still, the proximal end of the strap can be removably attached to the glove body.

The strap portion can be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material can be rubber, such as polychloroprene. The strap portion can alternatively be formed of leather, a composite material or another suitable material.

The attachment element can be a buckle secured to the glove body for engaging a distal end portion of the strap. Alternatively, the attachment element can be a snap, with a portion of the snap being provided on the glove body, and a second portion of the snap for engaging the first portion thereof, which is provided on in the distal end portion of the strap. Alternatively still, the attachment element can include hook-and-loop fastening material. A first portion of the hook-and-loop fastening material can be provided on the glove, and a second portion of the hook-and-loop fastening material can be provided on a distal end portion of the strap.

Although discussed and illustrated herein as applying to the first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, Applicant recognizes, and it is to be understood that the invention can advantageously be applied to other joints of the hand in order to provide stability, reduce pain and the like.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices and methods of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a radial-dorsal view of a glove in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is dorsal view of the glove shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a palmer view of the glove shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of the invention will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the device.

The devices and methods presented herein may be used for providing stability for an arthritic or lax first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. The invention is particularly suited for use as a sports accessory, such as a glove for use in playing golf. When a person has laxity or degenerative changes at the first CMC joint, the metacarpal demonstrates lateral subluxation, with the distal end thereof assuming an adduction posture. Such posture narrows the first web space of the hand, and therefore affects the comfortable positioning of sports equipment, such as a golf club, in the hand. Additionally, lateral subluxation of the first metacarpal weakens pinch and grip strength due to abnormal biomechanics, and the pain associated therewith.

Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a sports glove that stabilizes the first carpometacarpal joint and thus provides a golfer with a stable and less painful joint as they carry out motion, such as a swing of a golf club.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with the invention, a sports glove 100 is provided, which includes a glove body 110 and a strap portion 140. The glove body 110 need not be substantially different from an ordinary sports glove. A palm portion 113 and corresponding back portion 114 join four finger sheaths 120 and a thumb sheath 125. A wrist portion 130 of the body 110 includes an inner (radial) portion 131 and an outer (ulnar) portion 133, which can be separated by a split 132 of any desirable configuration. Alternatively, a gaiter can be formed across this region, or a flexible material can be used, such that the split 132 is not required to facilitate placement of the glove 100 on the hand of a user.

Gloves in accordance with the invention can be provided with closed finger and thumb sheaths 120, 125, or alternatively, such finger and thumb sheaths can be open to facilitate dexterity, to otherwise improve grip of an object and/or to allow for improved air circulation and cooling of the hand.

Gloves in accordance with the invention and the respective components thereof can be made from any of a variety of materials including but not limited to natural materials such as leather or cotton, synthetic materials such as plastic, rubber, foam rubber, polychloroprene (e.g., neoprene) and the like. Gloves in accordance with the invention can include any of a variety of features, including but not limited to perforations to enhance ventilation, additional materials to enhance gripping of objects, padding and/or stitched, bonded or welded seams, for example.

In accordance with the invention, a tension band is provided with the glove body. The tension band, which can have any suitable shape, but is generally shaped as a strap, is carried by the glove body and can be integrally formed with the material of the glove, permanently attached thereto, such as by heat, solvent or ultrasonic welding, stitching, adhesives, rivets or any other suitable fastening elements, or removably attached to the glove body such as by way of snaps, clips, hook-and-loop materials, zippers, adhesive or any other suitable reversible fastening elements.

In the embodiment of the sports glove 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the tension band 140 is provided on the outer (ulnar) part 133 of the wrist portion or gaiter 130 of the glove body 110. In use, the band 140 is inserted through the eye 137 provided in connection with the inner (radial) part 131 of the wrist gaiter 130 of the glove body 110. An eyelet 135 is formed in or attached to the inner (radial) part 131 of the gaiter 130, and can include reinforcing materials and/or stitching. The eye 137 can be formed of the material of the glove, of the band 140, such as polychloroprene or of another material, such as a plastic, metal or composite material, for example.

The band body 141, after passing through the eyelet 135 is looped around the thumb, first toward the palm portion 113, then around the volar aspect of the thumb MCP joint (V), crossing around the thumb, again toward the dorsal/radial side thereof, crossing over itself at point C, and continuing across the palmer aspect of the wrist toward portion 130, where the band 140 is then secured to a mating attachment portion secured to the glove body 110.

Point C is in the general area of the CMC joint, depending on the particular anatomy of the user. In any case, the relative proximity of point C, in combination with the cradling effect of the band 140 wrapped around the volar aspect (V) of the thumb, stabilizes the CMC joint. Tension applied during application of the band in the aforementioned configuration determines the amount of tension applied to the CMC joint. Depending on the particular severity of the pathology of the CMC joint, and the comfort level of the user, the tension in the band 140 can be adjusted accordingly, during application. Preferably, the band 140 applies dorsal/radial tension to the thumb, to extend the distal end of the first metacarpal to a normal posture.

One or more graduated marks can be provided on the attachment portion 149 a provided on the glove body 110 that correspond with a portion of or a mark on the closure portion 149 b of the band 140, so that when comfortable placement of the distal end of the strap is found, the position can quickly and easily be replicated without excessive trial and error.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the closure portions 149 a,b include mating hook-and-loop fastener materials. As set forth above, a portion of the hook-and-loop material is associated with the distal end of the band 140, and the mating material is associated with a region to which the distal end portion of the band 140 will be secured. Accordingly, the body 141 of the band 140 itself can have on its outer surface one portion of the material, such as the loop portion, for example, while the closure portion 149 b on the distal end portion of the band 140 can have the mating hook material, for example. Additionally or alternatively, one or more regions of material can be provided on the wrist portion 130 for attachment of the distal end portion of the band 140.

Additionally or alternatively snaps, catches, clasps, a buckle or other suitable closure elements can be provided for the purpose of adjustably securing the band 140 to the glove body 110.

If so desired, a wrist band 143, as indicated by phantom line in FIG. 1, can be included to provide additional structural integrity to the glove 100 in the wrist portion 130. The wrist band 143 can be integral with the elongate band 140, or formed separately therefrom. Although the wrist portion 130 of the glove 100 can be fabricated with materials of sufficient strength, it may be desirable to use thinner or lightweight materials that may be suitable for the glove body 100, but may not provide sufficient strength to withstand prolonged tension applied by the band 140. Accordingly, the wrist band 143 can be integrated into the body 110 of the glove, either when forming the glove, or by applying the band 143 afterward. Additionally or alternatively, reinforcing stitching can be provided in the wrist portion 130 for strengthening the region and/or for securing the wrist band 143 to the glove body 110. Alternatively still, the wrist band 143 can be laminated into the material of the glove body 110, fused, welded, riveted or attached in another suitable manner thereto.

If so embodied, a rubberized surface or other high-friction material can be applied onto part of, or onto the entire the inner surface of the wrist portion 130, or band 143 if provided, to inhibit unintentional rotation of the glove body 110 due to tension applied by the band 140.

As set forth above, the glove body 110 can be formed of any conventional material, including natural materials such as leather or cotton, or synthetic materials, including but not limited to nylon, polyester, and polychloroprene (e.g., neoprene).

Similarly, the band 140 can be formed of any suitable natural or synthetic material. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the band 140 is formed of an elastic material, such as polychloroprene, for example. However, leather, rubber, or knitted or woven synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester can advantageously be used to form the band 140. The band 140 can optionally include a surface material other than polychloroprene, such as a polyester fabric or other reduced friction material to facilitate relative movement between the glove body 110 and the band 140 in use. Alternatively, if reduced movement is desirable for a particular condition, increased friction may be included by appropriately selecting the band 140 material. For this purpose, a less flexible material having a higher coefficient of friction can also be utilized.

The device and related methods of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a sports glove with superior properties including increased support for a user's thumb, while maintaining a non-bulky appearance and feel, and light weight.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the device and methods of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, although discussed and illustrated herein as applying to the first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, Applicant recognizes that the invention can advantageously be applied to other joints of the hand to provide stability, reduce pain and the like. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations. 

1. A glove for reducing lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint, the glove comprising: a) a glove body; b) a strap portion carried by the glove body, the strap portion extending from a proximal end portion of the glove body, having a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) to extend the thumb metacarpal and serve as a dorsal-radial tension band on the thumb near the distal end of the first metacarpal to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint; and c) an attachment element for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body.
 2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the strap portion is integrally formed with the glove body.
 3. The glove of claim 1, wherein the strap portion is separately formed from the glove body, a proximal end of the strap being permanently attached to the glove body.
 4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the strap portion is separately formed from the glove body, a proximal end of the strap being removably attached to the glove body.
 5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the strap portion is formed of an elastic material.
 6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the strap portion is formed of rubber.
 7. The glove of claim 6, wherein the strap portion is formed of polychloroprene.
 8. The glove of claim 1, wherein the strap portion is formed of leather.
 9. The glove of claim 1, wherein the attachment element is a buckle secured to the glove body for engaging a distal end portion of the strap.
 10. The glove of claim 1, wherein the attachment element is a snap, a portion of the snap being provided on the glove body, and a second portion of the snap for engaging the first portion thereof, being provided on in the distal end portion of the strap.
 11. The glove of claim 1, wherein the attachment element includes hook-and-loop fastening material, a first portion of the hook-and-loop fastening material being provided on the glove, and a second portion of the hook-and-loop fastening material being provided on a distal end portion of the strap. 